Pc-based automobile owner&#39;s manual, diagnostics, and auto care

ABSTRACT

A computer built into an automobile displays the owner&#39;s manual for the car. The user requests more information about the automobile through the computer, and the additional information is displayed to the user. Information may include a description of a specific function or device of the car, service history, and/or real time status of a component of the car.

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/643,787, filed Dec. 21, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,983,810, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/868,921, filed Oct. 8, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,715,959,which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/177,025,filed Jun. 21, 2002, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,918, and arehereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

This invention pertains to automobiles, and more particularly to the useof computers in automobiles.

BACKGROUND

The past few decades have witnessed an increase in the use of computers.Whereas once upon a time the only places computers could be found werein a research institutions, universities, or governmental organizations,today people interact with many computers during the day. Between homeand business computers, automatic teller machines, personal digitalassistants, and cell phones, the average person is in knowing contactwith several computers. But computers can also be found in places wherethe average person might not expect. Refrigerators, toasters, and cashregisters are just a few of the devices that most people do not realizeinclude computers (typically referred to as embedded systems).

Another device that people use on a daily basis without consciousknowledge that the device includes embedded systems is the automobile.Built-in computers monitor the automobile's performance, adjustingcomponents to keep the automobile working as smoothly as possible. Forexample, whereas once upon a time a backyard mechanic could adjust theidle on his carburetor, today computers automatically adjust the fuelinjectors in the automobile.

The increased use of embedded systems in automobiles has had theindirect effect of increasing the complexity of the automobile. Today,the average person can add gasoline to the gas tank, check the oil levelusing the dipstick, verify the proper tension on the timing belt, andperhaps change a tire. Adjusting or repairing anything else is toocomplicated or requires specialized equipment. Specifically, accessingthe built-in computer in an automobile is not a task easily accomplishedby the average user. The automobile does not provide easy access to thecomputer.

Because there is little for the average user to do but take the car to amechanic, automobile manufacturers are simplifying the design of thedashboard display. Many cars today include an “idiot light,” which sayssomething to the effect of “Service Car Soon.” The user then takes thecar to the mechanic, who figures out exactly why the “idiot light”activated and fixes the problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an automobile with an embedded computer, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the computer of FIG. 1 receiving information from varioussources and displaying the information on a built-in display, accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the display of FIG. 2 providing information about theautomobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the computer of FIG. 1 responding to a problem detected inthe automobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the computer of FIG. 1 listing several programming optionsfor the automobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 shows the computer of FIG. 1 allowing the user to manuallyprogram the automobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 shows the automobile of FIG. 1 at a garage, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9D show a flowchart of the procedure used by the computer ofFIG. 1 to provide information about the automobile of FIG. 1 to theuser, according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10B show a flowchart of the procedure used by the computer ofFIG. 1 to alert the user of the automobile of FIG. 1 about a problem,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11A-11B show a flowchart of the procedure for the user of theautomobile of FIG. 1 to program the computer of FIG. 1, according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an automobile with an embedded computer, according to anembodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, automobile 105 is shown withbuilt-in computer 110 (making automobile 105 an example of an embeddedsystem). FIG. 1 shows automobile 105 as a hatchback-type automobile. Buta person skilled in the art will recognize that any type of automobile,and indeed any type of personal conveyance with a built-in computer (anexample of an embedded system), may be substituted for automobile 105.For example, if a bicycle is equipped with a built-in computer, thebicycle may be equipped with an embodiment of the invention. Inaddition, there is no limitation on the particular make or model of theconveyance to which an embodiment of the invention may be applied. Forsimplicity, in the remainder of this document (including the claims anddrawings), the term “automobile” is intended to include all varieties ofpersonal conveyances to which an embodiment of the invention may beapplied.

FIG. 2 shows the computer of FIG. 1 receiving information from varioussources and displaying the information on a built-in display, accordingto an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, computer 110 includesstorage 205, wherein is stored owner's manual 210. Owner's manual 210may be displayed on display 215. Display 215 may be built into theautomobile: for example, as part of the dashboard or part of a systemfor playing video to entertain passengers. Alternatively, display 215may be the display of another device that may send data to and receivedata from computer 110. Where another device is used, the other devicemay be a notebook computer, handheld computer, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), cellular telephone, or any other type of device capableof providing the information in some meaningful manner to the user. (Inthe remainder of this document, where the other device is mentioned, theother device is intended to include any of the above-mentioned devices.)How computer 110 interacts with another device is discussed further withreference to FIG. 8 below.

Owner's manual 210 includes the information that may be found in thebound copy of the owner's manual for the automobile (typically found theglove compartment of the automobile). But owner's manual 210 goesfurther. Owner's manual 210 is designed so that the user may interactwith owner's manual 210.

Owner's manual 210 not only provides information on how to operate theautomobile, but also enables the user to find out about the performanceof the automobile. As shown in FIG. 2, computer 110 receives data aboutpart 220 from sensor 225. Part 220 may be any part in the automobile:for example, a tire, the fuel injector, the radiator, etc. When the userrequests information from owner's manual 210 about part 220, computer110 may display the data received from sensor 225 as some of theinformation about part 220. This is discussed further with reference toFIG. 3 below.

FIG. 2 also shows storage 205 as storing sensor data 230. Not only maycomputer 110 display the real-time data to the user, but computer 110may also store the data in storage 205 for later retrieval. For example,if sensor 225 is detecting the automobile speed, then sensor data 230may store the speed history of the vehicle. This allows the user todetermine how fast the automobile has been driven. Or, if sensor 225 isan impact sensor, then sensor data 230 may store any times theautomobile sensed an impact. Then, instead of requesting the real-timedata generated by sensor 225, the user may request sensor data 230 fromstorage 205. By retrieving sensor data 230 from storage 205, the usermay review how others have used the car in his absence.

In another embodiment, whether computer 110 stores the data from sensor225 as sensor data 230 in storage 205 is dependent on switch 235. Theuser may toggle switch 235 between enabled and disabled states. Whenswitch 235 is in the disabled state, then computer 110 does not storethe data from sensor 225 in storage 205. Of course, if the data is notstored in storage 205, the user may not later request sensor data 230.

FIG. 3 shows the display of FIG. 2 providing information about theautomobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 3, the display is showing screen 305, which has an image of theautomobile. When the user clicks on the tire, pop-up dialog 310 appears,allowing the user to specify the information he desires. For example,dialog 310 offers the user to find out the optimal tire pressure, how toproperly inflate the tires, or the current tire pressure.

If the user selects the current tire pressure, then screen 315 appears.In screen 315, the current pressure for each of the tires is shown. Forexample, screen 315 shows the pressure in the left rear tire as 29.8pounds per square inch (psi).

In FIG. 3, the user is shown selecting information about the tires usinga mouse. But a person skilled in the art will recognize that otherdevices may be used to indicate portions of the screen 305. For example,screen 305 may be a touch screen, so that the user may point to thescreen without using a pointing device. Or, when the technology isready, the computer may sense where the user is looking, so that all theuser has to do is hold his vision on a particular spot on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment the computer in the automobiledisplays information to the user upon request. In another embodiment,the computer monitors the automobile for problems, and takes actionaccordingly. FIG. 4 shows the computer operating in this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the part being monitored is left rear tire 402. But a personskilled in the art will recognize that any part in the automobile may bemonitored in a similar manner. For example, instead of the left reartire, the monitored part may be the fuel injection system, or thecatalytic converter, or the oil pan (for quantity or clarity of oil),etc. Sensor 225 is monitoring the tire for problems. Although sensor 225is shown as monitoring only the pressure of left rear tire 402, a personskilled in the art will recognize that sensor 225 may monitor any stateof the part, and may monitor multiple states at the same time (forexample, sensor 225 might also be monitoring the tread on left rear tire402 for wear). Sensor 225 returns to computer 110 the current pressureof left rear tire 402, shown as value 405 (currently 29.8 psi).

Computer 110 compares value 405 received from sensor 225 with properrange 410 for the automobile. In this case, value 405 is outside range410. Computer 110 then may take any of a number of different actions.For example, computer 110 may display message 415 to the user on adisplay in the automobile. (As discussed above with reference to FIG. 2,the display may be built in to the automobile (specifically forinteracting with the computer by the user or for entertainment purposes)or may be part of another device with which the computer maycommunicate.) Alternatively, computer 110 may send e-mail 420 to theuser, alerting him to the condition of left rear tire 402. Computer 110may send the e-mail either through its own e-mail processing tools (ifcomputer 110 has the functionality to send e-mail itself) or may use ane-mail processing tool in another device with which computer 110 maycommunicate. Another option is for computer 110 to schedule anappointment with a service center, and add the appointment to calendar425 for the user automatically. A person skilled in the art willrecognize that computer 110 may perform any combination of techniques toalert the user: for example, computer 110 may display message 415 andsend the user e-mail 420.

FIG. 5 shows the computer of FIG. 1 listing several programming optionsfor the automobile of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 5, screen 505 shows the user some options forcustomizing automobile performance. For example, listed on screen 505are options for automatically engaging the door locks, for automaticallyengaging child safety locks, and for automatically adjusting engineperformance. More options may be present, as indicated by the scroll baron the right side of screen 505. A person skilled in the art willrecognize other options that may be customized using a screen likescreen 505. Once displayed, the user may select any of the listedoptions and, if need be, provide a target value. For example, in screen510, the user has selected to automatically lock the doors when theautomobile reaches 15 miles per hour, and to use the standard mode forthe automatic transmission.

Although FIG. 5 shows the computer presenting the user with variouspredefined programming options, a person skilled in the art willrecognize that there are other ways the computer may be programmed. Forexample, the computer may have a programming language that enables theuser to program options that are not predefined. FIG. 6 shows thissituation.

In FIG. 6, the computer displays a list of sensors in the automobile,and allows the user to select one (or more). By selecting more than onesensor, all the selected sensors need the specified values before thedesired action occurs. The user may then enter a target value, ifneeded. For example, in screen 605, the user has selected a weightsensor: specifically, the weight sensor for the rear seat. This sensorrequires a value, which the user has supplied (60 pounds). In contrast,for the ignition sensor, the user merely checks a box as to whether theignition is to be on or off before the action occurs: no specific valueis needed. Finally, the user may define one or more actions to take inresponse to the selected sensors. In screen 610, the user has selectedto engage the child safety locks when the weight on the rear seat isless than 60 pounds.

In FIG. 6, the user is shown as selecting only one sensor. If the userselects more than one sensor, then the computer treats the combinationof sensors to be conjunctive. That is, all of the sensors must returnthe indicated values before the actions are performed. If the userdesires the same action to be performed for a number of differentconditions, then the user has to add several programs, one for eachcondition. But a person skilled in the art will recognize how to modifythe computer so that the user may program more complex conditionscombining AND and OR operations (for example, a combination of the form“(A AND B) OR C”).

In one embodiment, the computer is arranged to have complete (andextensive) lists of sensors and actions, which may be arranged tosimplify the user's job in searching for a particular sensor or action.In a second embodiment, the list of sensor is limited to only thosesensors that the user would normally find useful. For example, a sensorthat determines whether there is cargo in the trunk might not normallybe presented to the user, because the user would normally know ifanything is in the trunk. But the user would be able to access thissensor if desired (perhaps by requesting a complete list of sensorsrather than a shortened list). In a third embodiment, the list ofactions is organized based on sensors, so that only certain actions areavailable based on the selection of certain sensors. For example, if theuser selects a tire pressure sensor, the list of actions might notinclude the option to activate the heating/cooling system, since cabintemperature has little to do with tire pressure. Again, the user mayaccess an unlisted action by requesting the complete list rather thanthe shortened list.

In a fourth embodiment, the computer is arranged to enable the user todefine a new sensor or new action. For example, the user might add a newsensor to the automobile. Once the computer is made aware of the newsensor, it may be used just like any other sensor. Defining a new actionmay be more involved, but the procedure is somewhat similar. As anexample, the user might add an entertainment system, including a videocassette player or a digital video disc (DVD) player and a television,to the automobile to entertain children during long trips. The user maythen define a new action to turn on the television when the rear seatweight is low (indicating a child is sitting in the back seat). A personskilled in the art will recognize other ways in which the computer maybe programmed.

FIG. 7 shows the automobile of FIG. 1 at a garage, according to anembodiment of the invention. As shown earlier with reference to FIG. 2,computer 110 includes storage 205. Aside from the owner's manual,storage 205 may store service history 702 of automobile 105. That is,every time automobile 105 is brought in for servicing, a complete recordof the work performed on automobile 105 may be stored in storage 205. Bystoring the service history of automobile 105, the user does not have toworry about a new mechanic not knowing the history of automobile 105.The mechanic, for example a mechanic at garage 705, may retrieve servicehistory 702 of automobile 105, either by accessing it directly fromcomputer 110 or by interfacing computer 110 with computer 710 at thegarage.

Of course, since service history 702 of automobile 105 is stored incomputer 110, the user may access service history 702 himself, througheither a built-in display or the display of a computer with whichcomputer 110 may communicate.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 8, dashboard 805is shown. Built into dashboard 805 is display 215. Through display 215is shown in FIG. 8 as sitting on dashboard 805, a person skilled in theart will recognize that display 215 may be built into the automobile inother ways: for example, flipping up from the dashboard (using a thindisplay, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), in a center console,or flipping down from the ceiling. FIG. 8 also shows display 215 as atouch screen, as indicated by the mark on the screen where the user haspressed his finger.

As mentioned above, as an alternative to having a display built into theautomobile, the display may be part of another device. For example,notebook computer 810 is shown in FIG. 8. Using wirelesstransmitters/receivers 812 and 815, the computer in the automobile andnotebook computer 810 may communicate. The wireless communications mayuse any wireless communications standard, such as Bluetooth(Specification of the Bluetooth System, Version 1.1, Feb. 22, 2001) orany of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)802.11 standards, for example. As discussed above with reference to FIG.2, other devices that may be used include handheld computers, PDAs, andcellular telephones.

In yet another embodiment, rather than using wireless communications,the computer in the automobile and notebook computer 810 may communicateusing docking station 820. Docking station 820 may be a device intowhich notebook computer 810 physically connects at a hard contact point,or docking station 820 may be a wire-line connection to the computer inthe automobile, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection or anIEEE 1394 (FireWire) connection. Any communications standard may be usedto communicate between the computer in the automobile and notebookcomputer 820. A person skilled in the art will also recognize other waysthe computer in the automobile and notebook computer 815 may connect.

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 4, the computer built into theautomobile may monitor the automobile for problems, and alert the user.In an embodiment where display 215 is not built into the automobile, thecomputer may communicate with notebook computer 820, using eitherwireless transmitters/receivers 812 and 815, or via docking station 820,to inform the user of the detected problem. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that this may be accomplished, even where notebookcomputer 820 is turned off.

FIGS. 9A-9D show a flowchart of the procedure used by the computer ofFIG. 1 to provide information about the automobile of FIG. 1 to theuser, according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 9A, at block905, the owner's manual is displayed to the user. At block 910, thecomputer receives a request for information from the user. At decisionpoint 915, the computer decides what kind of data the user requested. Ifthe user requested real-time data about a part of the automobile, thenat block 920 the computer receives the real-time data from theappropriate sensor. If the user requested information about how to usethe part, then at block 925 the computer accesses the appropriateinformation from the owner's manual.

If the user requested any data from the storage of the computer, then atdecision point 927 (FIG. 9B) the computer determines whether the userrequested the service history of the automobile or stored sensor data.If the user requested the service history of the automobile, then atblock 930 the computer accesses the service history of the automobilefrom storage. If the user requested stored sensor data, then at decisionpoint 932 the computer determines if there is any stored sensor data toaccess. If there is, then at decision point 933 the stored sensor datais accessed.

Regardless of the type of data requested by the user, at decision point935 (FIG. 9C) the computer checks to see if there is a display builtinto the automobile. If there is, then at block 940 the computerdisplays the information on the built-in display. If there is nobuilt-in display, then at decision point 945 the computer checks to seeif there is another device that may present the information. If thereis, then at block 950 the computer sends the information to the otherdevice, which presents the information to the user at block 955. (It mayhappen that the other device has no display, but may present theinformation to the user in alternative formats: for example, aurally.)

Finally, at decision point 960 (FIG. 9D) the computer checks to see ifthe user has requested toggling the switch that controls whether sensordata is stored in the computer. If the user has requested toggling theswitch, then at block 965 the computer toggles the switch's state. Thus,if sensor data was being stored before, now it is blocked, and if sensordata was being blocked before, not it is being stored.

FIGS. 10A-10B show a flowchart of the procedure used by the computer ofFIG. 1 to alert the user of the automobile of FIG. 1 about a problem,according to an embodiment of the invention. At block 1005, a sensorgenerates a value for a part of the automobile. At block 1010, thesensor sends this value to the computer. At decision point 1015, thecomputer determines whether the received value is within the range ofproper values for the part. If the value is out of range, then atdecision point 1020 (FIG. 10B), the computer determines how the userwants to be notified. If the user wants to be notified by e-mail, thenat block 1025 the computer sends an e-mail to the user, informing himthat the part is not functioning as expected. The computer may alsosuggest (and carry out) scheduling an appointment to bring theautomobile in for servicing. If the user wants to be presented theinformation on a display, then at block 1035 the computer displays amessage to the user, alerting him that the part is not functioningnormally. Finally, if the user wants the computer to schedule anappointment to have the automobile serviced, then at block 1040 theautomobile automatically schedules an appointment for servicing theautomobile, and at block 1045 the computer adds the appointment to theuser's calendar.

FIGS. 11A-11B show a flowchart of the procedure for the user of theautomobile of FIG. 1 to program the computer of FIG. 1, according to anembodiment of the invention. As discussed above with reference to FIG.5, programming may be done by either selecting a pre-defined program orcreating one's own using a programming language. The two columns in FIG.11 reflect these two variations. If the user is to be presented with alist of programs, then at block 1105 the programs are listed, eachprogram including a sensor, a target value, and an action. At block 1110the computer receives the user's selection, and at block 1112 thecomputer receives the user's target value. Note that as discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 5, the value might be implicit in the program,and block 1112 may be skipped (because no value is needed from theuser). For example, when the program is to lock the doors when theignition is turned on, the value is binary.

In the alternative, where the user defines a program for himself, atblock 1115 the computer lists the available sensors. At block 1120, theuser selects a sensor (and maybe more than one). At block 1125 the userdefines a value for any of the sensors that need values. At block 1130,the computer lists the available actions, and at block 1135 (FIG. 11B)the user selects one or more actions.

Regardless of how the user selects or creates a program, at block 1140the computer monitors the selected sensor(s). At decision point 1145,the computer determines if the sensors are returning values in thespecified ranges. If the selected sensors all return values in thespecified range, then at block 1150 the action(s) are performed. If not,then control returns to block 1140.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that an embodiment of theinvention described above may be implemented using a computer. In thatcase, the method is embodied as instructions that comprise a program.The program may be stored on computer-readable media, such as floppydisks, optical disks (such as compact discs), or fixed disks (such ashard drives). The program may then be executed on a computer toimplement the method. A person skilled in the art will also recognizethat an embodiment of the invention described above may include acomputer-readable modulated carrier signal.

Having illustrated and described the principles of the invention in anembodiment thereof, it should be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art that an embodiment of the invention may be modified inarrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Allmodifications coming within the spirit and scope of the accompanyingclaims are claimed.

1. An automobile, comprising: a part in the automobile; a sensoroperative to generate real-time data about the part in the automobile;and a computer in the automobile operative to receive the real-time datafrom the sensor and send a message to a device if the real-time dataindicates that the part is operating improperly.
 2. An automobileaccording to claim 1, wherein the device includes a second computer. 3.An automobile according to claim 1, further comprising a docking stationto which the device can be connected.
 4. An automobile according toclaim 1, wherein the computer includes a wireless transmitter operativeto transmit the message to the device wirelessly.
 5. A method formonitoring diagnostics in an automobile, comprising: sensing a value fora part in the automobile; receiving the value by a computer built intothe automobile; comparing the value to a valid range for the part by thecomputer; and issuing a message to a device if the value is outside thevalid range.
 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a messageincludes issuing a message to a second computer if the value is outsidethe valid range.
 7. A method according to claim 5, wherein comparing thevalue includes receiving the valid range from a user.
 8. A methodaccording to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes sending anelectronic message to the device.
 9. A method according to claim 5,wherein issuing a message includes adding an appointment to a calendarin the device.
 10. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing amessage includes displaying the message on a display of the device. 11.A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includesissuing the message to the device via a docking station.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes wirelesslytransmitting the message to the device.
 13. An article comprising: astorage medium, said storage medium having stored thereon instructions,that, when executed by a computer built into an automobile, result in:sensing a value for a part in the automobile; receiving the value by acomputer built into the automobile; comparing the value to a valid rangefor the part by the computer; and issuing a message to a device if thevalue is outside the valid range.
 14. An article according to claim 13,wherein issuing a message includes sending an electronic message to thedevice.
 15. An article according to claim 13, wherein issuing a messageincludes adding an appointment to a calendar in the device.